The Unification of Germany

A German Nation is Forged

Background to German Unification Prior to the French Revolution, there were more than 300 German states. Prussia and Austria were the largest. The Congress of Vienna reduced the number of German states to 39. The smaller number of German states encouraged feelings of nationalism and patriotism among these German states.

Barriers to German Unification Rulers of smaller states feared loss of power in a united Germany. Protestant/Catholic hostility. Economic differences between western industrial and agricultural eastern states.

Factors Encouraging German Unification Napoleon encouraged German unification with the Confederation of the Rhine. Intellectuals supported a German Nation:  Frankfurt Assembly Congress of Vienna created a German Confederation made up of 39 states.

How Bismarck United Germany Prussia led German unification Otto von Bismarck led Prussia  Conservative chosen as Prime Minister  Stood for absolutism, Divine Right Monarchy and the Protestant Lutheran Church  Did not trust people or democracy  Master of Realpolitick  Politics of reality  William U, King of Prussia, appointed Bismarck chief minister in the Prussian Parliament, 1848.

Blood and Iron “Not by speeches and resolutions of majorities are the great questions of the time decided upon – but by blood and iron”. Bismarck engaged in Realpolitick, by exploiting rivalries and balance of power considerations to unify the German areas.

Bismarck’s Policies Made socialism illegal Improved working conditions Persecuted national and religious minorities, especially Catholics. Tried to isolate France by allying with Austria and Russia Use of Realpolitik Realpolitik – Decisions not based on ideological or moral considerations, but are based on self-interest.

German Unification DBQ Analyze the primary sources related to German unification in the 19 th century and respond to the questions on the handout.